Husband and Wife Facing Colon Cancer Together: Jared and April Smith Share Their Story

Mark White | The Mark White Show

Athens, Alabama - A local couple is facing an unimaginable challenge as they fight parallel battles against colon cancer. Jared and April Smith of Elkmont, Alabama, recently returned to The Mark White Show to share the latest chapter in their journey, one marked by resilience, faith and an outpouring of community support.

The Smiths first appeared on the show in March, when April discussed her three-and-a-half-year battle with stage 4 colon cancer. Diagnosed in the emergency room after experiencing abdominal pain, she has undergone continuous treatment since then, including a recent shift to a stronger weekly chemotherapy regimen.

But late October brought new and unexpected news. While sitting beside April during one of her chemotherapy sessions, Jared received his own biopsy results. His doctor stepped behind the curtain and informed him that he had stage 3 colon cancer.

“It was a shock,” Jared said. “What are the odds of both a husband and wife being diagnosed with colon cancer? I never imagined it.”

A Double Burden, Shared Together

For April, the news was devastating.

“I didn’t want him to go through what I’ve been through,” she said. “It’s hard watching someone you love face the same struggle.”

Jared’s first chemotherapy treatment last week revealed just how difficult that struggle can be.

“It beat me down,” he said. “I’ve watched her do this for years, but until you feel it yourself, you don’t realize how tough it is.”

Both describe the emotional toll as constant, an awareness that remains present from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep.

Still, they credit their children, extended family, and the support of friends for keeping them steady.

“Our community has been amazing,” Jared said. “From meals to cards to someone cutting my yard without even telling me, they just show up.”

Living With Purpose During Treatment

Despite the physical effects of treatment, the Smiths say they remain determined to enjoy moments of life whenever they can. Last weekend, they rode in exotic cars together as part of an event that lifted both of their spirits.

“You have to enjoy the moments,” Jared said. “Put the phone down. Live it. Appreciate the little things.”

April says encouragement from others, especially handwritten cards, helps sustain them through difficult days.

“When we get a card in the mail, it lifts our spirits,” she said. “It reminds us we’re not alone.”

Supporting the Smith Family

Local businesses, including Suzanne’s Bakery in Athens, have helped lead fundraising efforts for the family. The Smiths say the financial support has made a significant difference as medical expenses continue to build.

“We don’t know where we’d be without the help,” Jared said.

Community members who wish to support the Smith family can do so in several ways:

Venmo: @AprilMSmith

PayPal: @aprilmridge

Mailing Address: Jared & April Smith18433 Locust Lane Elkmont, AL 35620

A Message to Others Facing Similar Battles

The Smiths say sharing their story is about more than asking for assistance. Their hope is to encourage others who may be walking through their own diagnosis.

“Don’t give up,” April said. “If we can keep going, you can keep going.”

Jared’s message underscores the same sentiment.

“Don’t take the small things for granted,” he said. “Every good day is a blessing.”

As the couple prepares for the next stages of their treatments, they continue leaning on their faith, their family, and a community determined to stand beside them.